CASA of the Pines showcases the season – by Diane Morey Sitton
Tour-goers attending the CASA of the Pines Christmas Home Tour in Lufkin, Texas, have come to expect sparkling lights, lavishly decorated entrances, Christmas trees of all sizes, candy canes, nutcrackers, the aroma of gingerbread and the sound of holiday music, among other holiday delights. Now a long-standing holiday tradition in its 27th year, this year’s tour was no exception.
Besides discovering holiday-inspired ways to embellish entrances; festive ways to decorate porches and patios; creative ways to display holiday collections; new ways and places to showcase Santa decor of all sizes, shapes, and materials; and even how to transform a bathtub into a fun-loving holiday focal point, tour-goers at the fund-raising event helped a good cause. CASA of the Pines (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is a social service organization that trains community volunteers to act as a “voice in the court” on behalf of children in foster care. CASA of the Pines’ outreach stretches through three counties.
Nature themes were prominent at Steve and Debra Moore’s residence, from the berry-embellished garland and swags that framed the entrance, to the display of five pinecone- and-berry adorned wreaths and the amaryllis centerpiece in the dining room, to the life-size twig deer that stood on a back patio. Another room featured a red and white cardinal quilt, matching pillow and five identical wreaths decorated with small owls.
In the living room, the theme switched to family where letters to Santa, written years ago by the Moore’s children, were displayed in green frames on a small stand next to a table filled with miniature, holiday-themed jigsaw puzzles.
Family themes were prominent at the Tanya and Paul Potter residence, as well, where grandchildren’s Winnie-the-Pooh and Tigger Christmas stockings hung from the fireplace mantel and a nativity scene, handcrafted by an aunt, decorated a large coffee table. In another room, lights illuminated a tinsel Christmas tree positioned on a raised “stage” used by kids as a play area. The most fun for tour-goers, however, was seeing a snowman lounging in a bathtub. The white, felt-like figure sported a black hat and twig arms.
At the Jeffrey and Kimberly Abeldt residence, the fun began at the front door where Santa’s mailbox was decorated with red poinsettias and pine boughs. Besides the mailbox, red and white holiday décor was prominent including tall silver candlesticks topped with red candles, a large figure of Santa, and the Merry Christmas sign in the red, green and white wreath on the front door. At the far end of the porch a galvanized bucket filled with dried cotton stalks, red berries, white berries and assorted red flowers complemented a large Christmas tree decorated in silver and red. Equally festive, the back patio featured two rustic wagon wheels adorned with greenery and bows as well as a large Christmas tree. It was the ideal place to pause and enjoy live performances of holiday music.
Inside the residence, an eclectic collection of holiday décor ranged from classic, holiday-themed books to a glimmering gold and white nativity scene set atop a large cabinet.
Many tour-goers ended the evening in downtown Lufkin at Grace Hall, a multi-level event venue. The fully-restored building was constructed in the early 1900s. Tables scattered among shimmering Christmas trees invited tour-goers to sit and listen to live holiday music while they nibbled on cookies and other treats provided by Texas Custom Catering. The festivities continued upstairs with photo opportunities.
If you haven’t yet discovered the fun of attending holiday tours, you are in for a treat. Besides helping good causes, you acquire ideas and a powerful dose of holiday spirit.